We all have those days when we long for that comforting home feeling. I know I do, especially on a cold winter day, on a long lazy weekend or sometimes just when I’ve had a bad day. So how do I appease that longing? With my favourite comfort food, a big bowl of pasta with a hearty, rich meat sauce or by indulging in a good homemade macaroni and cheese (let’s not even talk about the fat content and calories in this dish - OUCH)!
But just because a dish is “comforting” doesn’t mean that it has to be calorific. Many comfort foods can be made healthier simply by substituting some of the ingredients. For example, why not enjoy a hearty pasta sauce by using low-fat ground chicken and by adding a good amount of vegetables to your sauce? And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try serving it over spaghetti squash for a super healthy and satisfying meal?
You can always make a lighter version of macaroni and cheese by substituting regular milk for non-fat and by using lower fat cheeses such as Gouda, part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The Gouda and Parmesan will give this dish a nice kick so you only need to use half the regular amount. Use whole wheat macaroni and toss in some fresh spinach leaves for added iron and fibre!
Remember that substituting ingredients for healthier choices doesn’t mean minimizing flavour. Be open to different ingredients and let your imagination do the work. Here are a few healthier comfort food recipes to get you started.
Broccoli, Potato and Chicken Soup
Ground Chicken and Salsa Sloppy Joes
Mac and Chicken Burger Casserole (Gluten Free)
Do you have a healthy comfort food recipe you would like to share with us? We’d love to see it so please leave us a comment!
